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Schalke and Mainz draw blank

Schalke failed to win for the first time in 2014 as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Mainz on Friday night.

The Royal Blues, who face Real Madrid in the Champions League next week and perhaps were already thinking ahead to that match, could count themselves fortunate to have come away without being beaten by a strong Mainz side.

The visitors created the better chances, but failed to beat an inspired Ralf Fahrmann as they moved level on points with sixth-placed Borussia Monchengladbach who host Hoffenheim on Saturday.